Rise of the Ku Klux
Klan
For Year 9 Humanities
Rise of the KKK
Background
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) first emerged after the American Civil
War (1861-1865), aiming to suppress the rights of newly
freed African Americans in the Southern states. While the
initial Klan faded by the late 1870s, a new and more
widespread version rose to prominence in the 1920s. This
second Klan differed significantly from the first.
Rise of the KKK
Reasons for the Rise
Several factors contributed to the KKK's resurgence and growth in
the 1920s:
Post-World War I Social Tensions: The end of the war brought
economic adjustments, social anxieties, and a sense of unease.
Many white Americans felt threatened by rapid social changes,
including industrialization, urbanization, and increasing
immigration.
Rise of the KKK
Nativism and Xenophobia: A strong wave of anti-immigrant
sentiment swept the United States. Many native-born white
Protestants feared that new arrivals from Southern and
Eastern Europe, as well as Asia, were culturally different,
taking jobs, and diluting the perceived "racial purity" of
America.
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Anti-Catholicism and Anti-Semitism: The KKK broadened its
targets beyond African Americans to include Catholics and
Jews. They propagated fears that Catholics were controlled
by the Pope and that Jewish people were engaged in
conspiracies against America.
Rise of the KKK
The Influence of The Birth of a Nation: The 1915 film The
Birth of a Nation glorified the early Klan and presented a
racist view of the Reconstruction era. Its popularity is
believed to have significantly boosted the Klan's revival.
Rise of the KKK
Prohibition: The ban on alcohol in the 1920s created a black
market and associated social issues. The KKK presented itself
as a moral authority, claiming to enforce Prohibition and
targeting immigrants, particularly Catholics, whom they often
associated with drinking and lawlessness.
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Effective Recruitment: The second KKK employed modern
marketing and recruitment techniques, openly advertising
and holding public events like parades and rallies, which
attracted many white Protestants. Recruiters were even paid
a portion of membership fees.
Rise of the KKK
Membership and Geographic Spread
The Klan's membership grew rapidly in the early 1920s,
reaching an estimated 2.5 to 4 million members nationwide by
the mid-1920s. Some estimates even went higher.
Unlike the first Klan, which was primarily Southern, the
second Klan had a significant presence across the Midwest
and even in some Northern and Western states like Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Maine, Colorado, and Oregon.
Rise of the KKK
Membership largely consisted of white, Protestant, middle-class men and
women who saw the Klan as upholding traditional American values.
Activities
The KKK in the 1920s engaged in a range of activities:
Intimidation and Violence: While the Klan officially denounced violence,
its members often used threats, cross burnings, beatings, tarring and
feathering, and even lynchings to terrorize their targets.
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Political Influence: The Klan became a significant political force in
some areas, openly endorsing and helping to elect candidates at
local, state, and even national levels. It is estimated that around 75
members of the House of Representatives were elected with KKK
support in the 1920s.
Public Demonstrations: The Klan held large public rallies, parades,
and "Klonvocations" that attracted thousands of participants,
showcasing their strength and promoting their ideology.
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Social and Community Activities: In some communities, the
Klan presented itself as a fraternal organization, organizing
social events, donating to churches, and supporting local
initiatives.
Propaganda and Control of Media: The Klan controlled
numerous newspapers and even a film production company to
disseminate its views and counter negative portrayals.
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Decline
Despite its initial rapid growth and influence, the KKK's popularity
declined significantly in the late 1920s due to:
Scandals and Corruption: Leadership scandals and the criminal
activities of some Klan leaders disillusioned many members.
Organized Opposition: Civic and religious groups actively
campaigned against the Klan, exposing its bigotry and violence.
Rise of the KKK
Internal Divisions: Disagreements and power struggles within the
Klan also contributed to its weakening.
Significance
The rise of the KKK in the 1920s reflects the social and cultural
anxieties of the time, particularly regarding immigration and
changing social norms. It highlights the dangers of nativism, racism,
and religious intolerance in American society and serves as a
reminder of the importance of confronting prejudice and
discrimination.
